America's Cup: Another jury blow for Oracle?

Just when you thought we were ready to go racing, yet another America's Cup jury hearing is under way in San Francisco.

Team New Zealand are seeking clarification from the jury over the America's Cup measurement committee's interpretation of one of the class rules.

The Kiwi team believe the measurement committee effectively altered the class rule when it issued a public interpretation notice last week, in response to questions Oracle Team USA asked of the committee.

The rule in question relates to the use of stored energy and non-manual power. It is believed Oracle's daggerboard rake system has some level of automation to it and Team New Zealand have asked the question of the jury whether it is within the original intent of the rules.

In an obvious show of gamesmanship, Team NZ filed the papers with the jury on Wednesday shortly before they released their decision on what penalties OTUSA would incur for making illegal modifications to their boat.

Should the jury rule in favour of Team New Zealand it would be yet another massive disruption for Jimmy Spithill and his team as they prepare for their Cup defence, leaving them with 24 hours to make changes to their boat.